What do you think?
Rate this book
In Strange Woods
Gothic gay romance in the stormy coastal woods of the Pacific Northwest.
Reeling with grief after the mysterious massacre of his wealthy family, moody New York photographer James Worthington Crane decides to take his downward spiral to the rural Oregon Coast, where he’s just inherited a piece of property hidden somewhere in the woods upriver. But when James pulls into the decaying seaside town of Brooks, everyone thinks he’s someone else—an elusive local outlaw named Beau. Now James must fight through his grief to unravel a dark web of family secrets and forgotten history...with help from a soft-spoken local contractor named Hunter Quaid.
Hunter’s been on his own since he left his fundamentalist family at the age of fifteen. It’s taken years of hard work to build the simple life he has now, fixing up seaside houses while living alone by the river. Then James blows in like a winter storm, disturbing the peace and stirring up dreams he thought he'd given up. As their lives and histories intertwine in unexpected ways, they start to discover what it really means to know where you belong.
From the author of Merrick and Hidden Talents comes a steamy, tender romance inspired by the rugged beauty and offbeat history of Pacific Northwest timber country. In Strange Woods moves through ancient old-growth forests, abandoned logging roads, ramshackle seaside towns, decaying homesteads, coastal highways, and the stories hidden in the trees.
Content Warnings
Grief, mental illness, alcohol abuse, suicidal ideation; references to suicide and murder. For a detailed list of content warnings, visit clairecraybooks.com.
Reeling with grief after the mysterious massacre of his wealthy family, moody New York photographer James Worthington Crane decides to take his downward spiral to the rural Oregon Coast, where he’s just inherited a piece of property hidden somewhere in the woods upriver. But when James pulls into the decaying seaside town of Brooks, everyone thinks he’s someone else—an elusive local outlaw named Beau. Now James must fight through his grief to unravel a dark web of family secrets and forgotten history...with help from a soft-spoken local contractor named Hunter Quaid.
Hunter’s been on his own since he left his fundamentalist family at the age of fifteen. It’s taken years of hard work to build the simple life he has now, fixing up seaside houses while living alone by the river. Then James blows in like a winter storm, disturbing the peace and stirring up dreams he thought he'd given up. As their lives and histories intertwine in unexpected ways, they start to discover what it really means to know where you belong.
From the author of Merrick and Hidden Talents comes a steamy, tender romance inspired by the rugged beauty and offbeat history of Pacific Northwest timber country. In Strange Woods moves through ancient old-growth forests, abandoned logging roads, ramshackle seaside towns, decaying homesteads, coastal highways, and the stories hidden in the trees.
Content Warnings
Grief, mental illness, alcohol abuse, suicidal ideation; references to suicide and murder. For a detailed list of content warnings, visit clairecraybooks.com.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
24 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cray
21 books180 followersClaire Cray writes M/M Romance featuring hot, complicated men in weird situations. Offbeat and character-driven with a Gothic bent, her work is often described as atmospheric and a little strange.
Born and raised in the rural Pacific Northwest, Claire takes inspiration from its wild, moody vibes. Her stories often combine vivid natural settings with steamy sensuality and psychological drama.
Claire lives, writes, and independently publishes in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Born and raised in the rural Pacific Northwest, Claire takes inspiration from its wild, moody vibes. Her stories often combine vivid natural settings with steamy sensuality and psychological drama.
Claire lives, writes, and independently publishes in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 15, 2020
**** 4.5 Stars ****
What a page-turner!
✔ The bewitching tone used to set the atmosphere has got me hooked from the start.
✔ The story spans for just over a week, and I'm usually a bit fussy about it.
It takes skills to make so much happen in such a short time, making it believable, adding depth and convincing me. Kudos to the author!
✔ The plot was incredibly refreshing. The author illustrates touchingly with rough brush strokes,
✔ The mystery element was so well balanced and organically blended with the other aspects. 🥰 A perfect dose for me.
✔ Relatable and captivating characters.
✔ Hot chemistry.
✔ Appealing cover.
✔ And finally, the title couldn't be more fitting!
Seriously, what's not to like?
What a page-turner!
✔ The bewitching tone used to set the atmosphere has got me hooked from the start.
✔ The story spans for just over a week, and I'm usually a bit fussy about it.
It takes skills to make so much happen in such a short time, making it believable, adding depth and convincing me. Kudos to the author!
✔ The plot was incredibly refreshing. The author illustrates touchingly with rough brush strokes,
✔ The mystery element was so well balanced and organically blended with the other aspects. 🥰 A perfect dose for me.
✔ Relatable and captivating characters.
✔ Hot chemistry.
✔ Appealing cover.
✔ And finally, the title couldn't be more fitting!
Seriously, what's not to like?
October 7, 2024
This is the perfect book for a rainy, chilly day. The atmosphere in this story is close enough to touch, really wonderfully written.
Otherwise an interesting story with very unique characters. The secondary characters are also really good and pleasantly surprised me.
The mystery part of this story is not quite as surprising, but still really well done.
I liked the magnetism, the harmony between James and Hunter. They have something special from the beginning and it captures the otherwise very depressive mood that James spreads very well.
James was not doing well. In fact, he was doing extremely badly, and it was only getting worse. In fact, over the past few weeks, he had begun to recognize that this could actually kill him. 🥺❤️🩹🥺
You should be prepared for quite unhealthy behavior from James. And yes, there was a touch too much alcohol involved for me, but from James' perspective it was completely understandable. It takes a bit for his self-destructive nature to subside somewhat.
Fortunately, Hunter is always there at the right time and is infinitely patient. … and sexy …
Those warm hands moved up his back, feeling the shape of him, and James arched to get closer as they tasted and explored, the pressure intensifying until they were devouring each other. Hunter made a low, hungry sound when James sucked on his tongue, and James drank it up.
God, he’d never felt so high from a kiss before—never been so desperate for a man to hold him close, surround him, take him away. It was like he’d been craving this for weeks. Years. 💞😋💞
Otherwise an interesting story with very unique characters. The secondary characters are also really good and pleasantly surprised me.
The mystery part of this story is not quite as surprising, but still really well done.
I liked the magnetism, the harmony between James and Hunter. They have something special from the beginning and it captures the otherwise very depressive mood that James spreads very well.
James was not doing well. In fact, he was doing extremely badly, and it was only getting worse. In fact, over the past few weeks, he had begun to recognize that this could actually kill him. 🥺❤️🩹🥺
You should be prepared for quite unhealthy behavior from James. And yes, there was a touch too much alcohol involved for me, but from James' perspective it was completely understandable. It takes a bit for his self-destructive nature to subside somewhat.
Fortunately, Hunter is always there at the right time and is infinitely patient. … and sexy …
Those warm hands moved up his back, feeling the shape of him, and James arched to get closer as they tasted and explored, the pressure intensifying until they were devouring each other. Hunter made a low, hungry sound when James sucked on his tongue, and James drank it up.
God, he’d never felt so high from a kiss before—never been so desperate for a man to hold him close, surround him, take him away. It was like he’d been craving this for weeks. Years. 💞😋💞
dnf
October 27, 2022DNF @ 30%
Welp. I tried. But so far James has spent about a third of the time drunk off his ass, while his new acquaintance, Hunter, ogles and pervs on him as he stumbles and staggers around. I'm finding this repellent, so I don't see ever getting invested in these guys as a couple. Or even as individuals.
The new-to-me author seems otherwise competent, so maybe I’ll give her another try sometime. Maybe. I don't know. I think I’m only saying that to sound reasonable. To hell with reasonable. I'm grossed out about the whole "being literally falling-down drunk is soooooooo sexy" thing. I'm leaving with a bad impression of her storytelling choices, and in all honesty I'll probably never come back.
Welp. I tried. But so far James has spent about a third of the time drunk off his ass, while his new acquaintance, Hunter, ogles and pervs on him as he stumbles and staggers around. I'm finding this repellent, so I don't see ever getting invested in these guys as a couple. Or even as individuals.
The new-to-me author seems otherwise competent, so maybe I’ll give her another try sometime. Maybe. I don't know. I think I’m only saying that to sound reasonable. To hell with reasonable. I'm grossed out about the whole "being literally falling-down drunk is soooooooo sexy" thing. I'm leaving with a bad impression of her storytelling choices, and in all honesty I'll probably never come back.
October 19, 2020
3-(I-am-feeling-generous-)stars!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐
MCs: ⭐⭐
Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is it me or is it the book?
In this special case, I think it's the expecations that were connected to this story!
During the last weeks, In Strange Woods by Claire Cray kept popping up in my update feed along with many positive reviews promising that this book would be:
- refreshingly different
- with main characters to die for,
- an original mystery
- and a very credible slow-burn romance.
Turns out I didn't really find any of these and while the book is by no means bad, it is just far from being especially refreshing or any kind of extraordinary.
Let's get into some more details:
---The blurb---
After the brutal murder of his whole family, James Worthington Crane - a young documentary photographer - flees to Brooks, a small town located in Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, where he inherited a piece of land in the woods and tries to find answers to his many questions regarding his family's past. While realizing quickly that the whole town seems to know him and that he must have some kind of doppelgänger that might be connected to his past, James bumbs into Hunter, a quiet gay contractor living in a mobel trailer and having a love for flanel shirts. After bumping into each other one night at the shore, Hunter can't help but feel attracted to the foreigner and offers James his help in finding out the turth about his family and his inheritance.
---The storytelling and the mystery---
What makes this book indeed different to many other books in the M/M genre out there, is the outstanding writing skills of Claire Cray. She manages to describe settings and situations in a way that I felt pulled straight into the story. I really enjoyed the scenery that Claire Cray was able to paint and the writing is indeed clever and original.
The mystery on the other hand not so much - which was quite of a disappointment. It wasn't difficult to figure out where this one was going early on, especially considering that there never was more than one serious suspect. Besides being obvious, some lose ends were not completely solved and I felt that the final explanation was a bit rushed.
---The main characters and their relationship---
With regard to the main characters, I couldn't stop feeling that the information we got on them was extremely unbalanced. We got a lot on James, his family, his past and his feelings, but not a lot on Hunter, whose upbringing in a fundamentalist family, the fate of his sister and the fact that he left his family at the age of fifteen definitely deserved a bit more attention to actually shape Hunter as a character.
Having been promised a slow-burn romance, what I really got felt a lot like emotional insta-lust/attraction without acting on his physically straight away. Not having a problem with insta-lust, this didn't bother me much. With the mystery evolving and the fact that the story takes place during approximately five days, we didn't get all that much relationship development at all. It made it very difficult to connect to these characters as a couple.
What I enjoyed about the relationship was that both main characters acted like adults - no unnessary drama, no storming out on each other and no rushed decisions. Well ... at least until the epilogue, that just didn't feel realistic at all. I will just pretent that I never read it!
---THE secondary character---
As I was expecting by some reviews, In Strange Woods entails a very charming and interesting secondary character and somehow I had the feeling that everyone - including the author, the main characters and myself - were caring more about this secondary character than the actual story of this book. It might be the setting-up of a book that makes this secondary character a main character, but in this book it was just very disturbing and it stopped me from feeling a real connection towards the actual main characters.
All in all, In Strange Woods was an okay read, entertaining and very well-written, but nothing extraordinary and not a story I am likely to remember for long.
Warning: Alcohol seems to be the go-to remedy for everything.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐
MCs: ⭐⭐
Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is it me or is it the book?
In this special case, I think it's the expecations that were connected to this story!
During the last weeks, In Strange Woods by Claire Cray kept popping up in my update feed along with many positive reviews promising that this book would be:
- refreshingly different
- with main characters to die for,
- an original mystery
- and a very credible slow-burn romance.
Turns out I didn't really find any of these and while the book is by no means bad, it is just far from being especially refreshing or any kind of extraordinary.
Let's get into some more details:
---The blurb---
After the brutal murder of his whole family, James Worthington Crane - a young documentary photographer - flees to Brooks, a small town located in Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, where he inherited a piece of land in the woods and tries to find answers to his many questions regarding his family's past. While realizing quickly that the whole town seems to know him and that he must have some kind of doppelgänger that might be connected to his past, James bumbs into Hunter, a quiet gay contractor living in a mobel trailer and having a love for flanel shirts. After bumping into each other one night at the shore, Hunter can't help but feel attracted to the foreigner and offers James his help in finding out the turth about his family and his inheritance.
---The storytelling and the mystery---
What makes this book indeed different to many other books in the M/M genre out there, is the outstanding writing skills of Claire Cray. She manages to describe settings and situations in a way that I felt pulled straight into the story. I really enjoyed the scenery that Claire Cray was able to paint and the writing is indeed clever and original.
The mystery on the other hand not so much - which was quite of a disappointment. It wasn't difficult to figure out where this one was going early on, especially considering that there never was more than one serious suspect. Besides being obvious, some lose ends were not completely solved and I felt that the final explanation was a bit rushed.
---The main characters and their relationship---
With regard to the main characters, I couldn't stop feeling that the information we got on them was extremely unbalanced. We got a lot on James, his family, his past and his feelings, but not a lot on Hunter, whose upbringing in a fundamentalist family, the fate of his sister and the fact that he left his family at the age of fifteen definitely deserved a bit more attention to actually shape Hunter as a character.
Having been promised a slow-burn romance, what I really got felt a lot like emotional insta-lust/attraction without acting on his physically straight away. Not having a problem with insta-lust, this didn't bother me much. With the mystery evolving and the fact that the story takes place during approximately five days, we didn't get all that much relationship development at all. It made it very difficult to connect to these characters as a couple.
What I enjoyed about the relationship was that both main characters acted like adults - no unnessary drama, no storming out on each other and no rushed decisions. Well ... at least until the epilogue, that just didn't feel realistic at all. I will just pretent that I never read it!
---THE secondary character---
As I was expecting by some reviews, In Strange Woods entails a very charming and interesting secondary character and somehow I had the feeling that everyone - including the author, the main characters and myself - were caring more about this secondary character than the actual story of this book. It might be the setting-up of a book that makes this secondary character a main character, but in this book it was just very disturbing and it stopped me from feeling a real connection towards the actual main characters.
All in all, In Strange Woods was an okay read, entertaining and very well-written, but nothing extraordinary and not a story I am likely to remember for long.
Warning: Alcohol seems to be the go-to remedy for everything.
September 22, 2020
3.5 Stars!
I liked this one, just not quite as much as everyone else.
The fact James spent a lot of the book drunk kind of annoyed me. Sloppy drunk at that.
I liked Hunter. I liked the setting of the book.
I also think I was expecting more from the mystery aspect. Maybe it wasn't meant to be all that suspenseful.
I also found it to be a bit of insta-love.
However, I did like the writing style. And the story held my interest. There was some steam.
IDK, not quite a homerun for me but I will definitely keep this author on my radar.
I liked this one, just not quite as much as everyone else.
The fact James spent a lot of the book drunk kind of annoyed me. Sloppy drunk at that.
I liked Hunter. I liked the setting of the book.
I also think I was expecting more from the mystery aspect. Maybe it wasn't meant to be all that suspenseful.
I also found it to be a bit of insta-love.
However, I did like the writing style. And the story held my interest. There was some steam.
IDK, not quite a homerun for me but I will definitely keep this author on my radar.
October 1, 2020
*4.75 Stars*
This is really quite lovely,
unexpected.
I was looking for a love story like this one.
An effortless one.
One that's NOT tangled up in insecurities, miscommunications, stupidly, distance blah blah.
One where the love birds meet, find themselves awed, drawn, mesmerized and think maybe.
One where they take a chance, just maybe .
One where they fall into bed and think wow, maybe .
One where they look at one another and think
"what if we did this all the time?"
" what if this was all mine?"
what if " this could happen every night?"
To let themselves fall in love. To feel warmth, appreciation, affection, comfort, understanding. To be kind and compassionate towards one another even before all the intimacy.
Beautiful.
Yes, there is also pain here. Grief. Loss.
But also, healing, surviving, living.
Highly recommend! This is the kind of love story that leaves one with this content, flowy, pleasant sensation. It's not flashy or loud. It's unobtrusive. A quiet gem.
This is really quite lovely,
unexpected.
I was looking for a love story like this one.
An effortless one.
One that's NOT tangled up in insecurities, miscommunications, stupidly, distance blah blah.
One where the love birds meet, find themselves awed, drawn, mesmerized and think maybe.
One where they take a chance, just maybe .
One where they fall into bed and think wow, maybe .
One where they look at one another and think
"what if we did this all the time?"
" what if this was all mine?"
what if " this could happen every night?"
To let themselves fall in love. To feel warmth, appreciation, affection, comfort, understanding. To be kind and compassionate towards one another even before all the intimacy.
Beautiful.
Yes, there is also pain here. Grief. Loss.
But also, healing, surviving, living.
Highly recommend! This is the kind of love story that leaves one with this content, flowy, pleasant sensation. It's not flashy or loud. It's unobtrusive. A quiet gem.
July 3, 2023
4.5 stars!
I can't explain how much I enjoyed this book. I'd never read this author before, but I'm so glad I paid attention to the ratings that were popping up on my feed. This is definitely worth the hype!
It was just so refreshingly different. The characters were so likable and relatable. I was entertained by the entire story, and I would've read it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to stupid work.
I'll be going through this author's backlist now.
I can't explain how much I enjoyed this book. I'd never read this author before, but I'm so glad I paid attention to the ratings that were popping up on my feed. This is definitely worth the hype!
It was just so refreshingly different. The characters were so likable and relatable. I was entertained by the entire story, and I would've read it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to stupid work.
I'll be going through this author's backlist now.
September 14, 2020
4.5★'s Rounded Up!
Wow, this, this I really, really liked.
I devoured it.
It wasn't perfect. There were a few holes, a few things that couldn't happen the way they did, but it didn't really matter all that much. The story itself felt refreshingly original and I was completely swept up in it.
The secondary characters were so interesting. Jeez, even the hotel clerk and the cashier at the quicky mart seemed completely fleshed out somehow. The history even more so. The setting and even the weather all had a place and felt just as much a part of the tale as James and Hunter's story.
It felt mysterious and it was. It all just felt alive, like there were other forces at play.
I was moved by it and I was horrified. It made me cry and it made me laugh out loud. It was awful and it was beautiful. The romance was undeniable and the sex was off the charts hot.
This was a brand new to me author, one I've never even heard of and I am so glad that it came across my feed.
This was really good stuff.
Wow, this, this I really, really liked.
I devoured it.
It wasn't perfect. There were a few holes, a few things that couldn't happen the way they did, but it didn't really matter all that much. The story itself felt refreshingly original and I was completely swept up in it.
The secondary characters were so interesting. Jeez, even the hotel clerk and the cashier at the quicky mart seemed completely fleshed out somehow. The history even more so. The setting and even the weather all had a place and felt just as much a part of the tale as James and Hunter's story.
It felt mysterious and it was. It all just felt alive, like there were other forces at play.
I was moved by it and I was horrified. It made me cry and it made me laugh out loud. It was awful and it was beautiful. The romance was undeniable and the sex was off the charts hot.
This was a brand new to me author, one I've never even heard of and I am so glad that it came across my feed.
This was really good stuff.
September 1, 2022
This book was so atmospheric, I wish I could read it again for the first time.
September 4, 2020
I have a favorite new , to me , author
Wow, I absolutely , irrevocably and without doubt adore this story. My first by this writer.
If I could pin point , why I am so taken by this tale , I reckon it would be the simplicity of the storyline and it's every day account of human nature... the choices we make ; the good , the bad, the rights, wrong , the cruel , the criminal and everything in between. Relationships with family , friends , lovers, enemies. Peace with nature and oneself . And finding where one belongs .
In Strange Woods is written in vivid and passionate style , it feels very intimate . It captivated me from the start.
Re-reading: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Rating: 4.5 stars
Wow, I absolutely , irrevocably and without doubt adore this story. My first by this writer.
If I could pin point , why I am so taken by this tale , I reckon it would be the simplicity of the storyline and it's every day account of human nature... the choices we make ; the good , the bad, the rights, wrong , the cruel , the criminal and everything in between. Relationships with family , friends , lovers, enemies. Peace with nature and oneself . And finding where one belongs .
In Strange Woods is written in vivid and passionate style , it feels very intimate . It captivated me from the start.
Re-reading: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Rating: 4.5 stars
September 27, 2020
*3.5 stars*
It was ok, I just didn't like it as much as my friends did. I liked both the romance and the mystery A LOT. Until a certain point. Then the romance became insta love and the mystery got overshadowed by a weird family reunion.
In any case I still enjoyed it, didn't get bored, the writing and the steamy scenes were really good. I'd like to read more from this author.
It was ok, I just didn't like it as much as my friends did. I liked both the romance and the mystery A LOT. Until a certain point. Then the romance became insta love and the mystery got overshadowed by a weird family reunion.
In any case I still enjoyed it, didn't get bored, the writing and the steamy scenes were really good. I'd like to read more from this author.
December 10, 2021
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this. What the hell took me so long to read it?!
I really enjoyed this. What the hell took me so long to read it?!
March 21, 2022
Not my favorite Claire Cray, but still very enjoyable, as far as contemporaries go. It was very atmospheric — I loved her descriptions of those small towns and the wild primeval woods so much! I would’ve liked it more if James hadn’t spent approximately 30% of this book drunk off his ass, though. 🙄 I get that he was grieving after the loss of his family, but such behavior was just juvenile, and his drunk interactions with Hunter rubbed me the wrong way.
The mystery itself was a bit underwhelming, but I didn’t really mind that, because the romance made up for it. Hunter was such a great guy! 😍 *swoon*
I recommend this if you’re in the mood for something with a ‘slower beat.’
The mystery itself was a bit underwhelming, but I didn’t really mind that, because the romance made up for it. Hunter was such a great guy! 😍 *swoon*
I recommend this if you’re in the mood for something with a ‘slower beat.’
September 19, 2020
While I kind of got why a lot of my GR friends liked this book, there were things that bothered me, so I’m going with 3 stars.
James has just lots his parents and his brother to a brutal home invasion/murder. He is adrift and doesn’t know what to do with his life.
He ends up in a small town where he found out his mother owned property. Since he has nothing else to do, he decided now would be a good time to check out this property.
When his car gets stuck on a quiet road, he is glad when a car pulls over and a very attractive man gets out.
Hunter already met the newcomer last night, when James was too drunk to remember that, but to meet James again must be a sign.
After those encounters, the two keep running in to each other and James is kind of glad for that since he really likes Hunter.
But something strange is going on in the town. Everyone keeps calling James Beau and asking him where he’s been…..
This was a nice book, but I didn’t quite love it.
I think my main issue with this was that I didn’t like the characters. I just didn’t connect with them.
I couldn’t quite understand why Hunter thought James was attractive when he was completely drunk off his ass. He couldn’t even walk anymore. Now I don’t think that’s very attractive at all…
I also had a hard time with the casual way these guys smoked weed. That is not because I have no experience with drugs, quite the opposite actually. For one I live in The Netherlands, weed country nr 1. And second, I used to party a lot, and recreational drugs were fun (not weed though, they made me super sick). But after a few years I was sooooo done with all drugs. It’s such a fake world, that I’d rather live in the real world, with real emotions, not altered by drugs.
I can deal with drugs in my books just fine if it’s a dark book with characters who have sunken really low and we get to see them crawl out of that hole. But to have two men smoking weed for fun and to relax is such an incredible turn off for me.
There was something intriguing about the writing I have to admit, but I just didn’t like the characters nor the choices they made.
James has just lots his parents and his brother to a brutal home invasion/murder. He is adrift and doesn’t know what to do with his life.
He ends up in a small town where he found out his mother owned property. Since he has nothing else to do, he decided now would be a good time to check out this property.
When his car gets stuck on a quiet road, he is glad when a car pulls over and a very attractive man gets out.
Hunter already met the newcomer last night, when James was too drunk to remember that, but to meet James again must be a sign.
After those encounters, the two keep running in to each other and James is kind of glad for that since he really likes Hunter.
But something strange is going on in the town. Everyone keeps calling James Beau and asking him where he’s been…..
This was a nice book, but I didn’t quite love it.
I think my main issue with this was that I didn’t like the characters. I just didn’t connect with them.
I couldn’t quite understand why Hunter thought James was attractive when he was completely drunk off his ass. He couldn’t even walk anymore. Now I don’t think that’s very attractive at all…
I also had a hard time with the casual way these guys smoked weed. That is not because I have no experience with drugs, quite the opposite actually. For one I live in The Netherlands, weed country nr 1. And second, I used to party a lot, and recreational drugs were fun (not weed though, they made me super sick). But after a few years I was sooooo done with all drugs. It’s such a fake world, that I’d rather live in the real world, with real emotions, not altered by drugs.
I can deal with drugs in my books just fine if it’s a dark book with characters who have sunken really low and we get to see them crawl out of that hole. But to have two men smoking weed for fun and to relax is such an incredible turn off for me.
There was something intriguing about the writing I have to admit, but I just didn’t like the characters nor the choices they made.
November 12, 2020
DNF:ed at 60%.
I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I would say it's me, but it's actually the book. All the glorifying of drinking alcohol didn't sit well with me and I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm feeling that I have however read enough to give it a rating.
I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I would say it's me, but it's actually the book. All the glorifying of drinking alcohol didn't sit well with me and I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm feeling that I have however read enough to give it a rating.
March 12, 2021
In Strange Woods tells the story of James Worthington Crane and Hunter Quaid.
James's whole family was murdered in their own house and James now is the only heir of their fortune. He inherited a mysterious land in a small town in Oregon connected with his mother so decided to investigate, after all, he didn't have anything to lose.
Hunter is a very sweet local who lives by himself in the area, fixing houses and working in his shop. He left his abusive home when he was a teen.
Their paths collided and they were instantly in each other's orbit.
Oh boy, this book was magnificent. The writing got me in the first pages and their relationship was very believable and sweet. They were attracted to each other quickly but it was natural, not forced actually. I loved the mystery so much! I was really curious to know what was happening. And I loved to see it solved.
I connected with James a lot and some of his thoughts could easily have been said by me. His lack of connection, of belonging... I felt that in my bones. He was so lost after his family's murder, it was very sad.
Hunter's past wasn't easy either, his family never accepted him and the only member who had his back died when they were younger.
Two men trying to navigate through their complicated lives, who met by chance and found in each other something they didn't even know they needed. And add some dangerous situations, a horrible crime and mystery, that's basically this book and believe everyone who enjoys these things will love this story for sure!
James's whole family was murdered in their own house and James now is the only heir of their fortune. He inherited a mysterious land in a small town in Oregon connected with his mother so decided to investigate, after all, he didn't have anything to lose.
Hunter is a very sweet local who lives by himself in the area, fixing houses and working in his shop. He left his abusive home when he was a teen.
Their paths collided and they were instantly in each other's orbit.
Oh boy, this book was magnificent. The writing got me in the first pages and their relationship was very believable and sweet. They were attracted to each other quickly but it was natural, not forced actually. I loved the mystery so much! I was really curious to know what was happening. And I loved to see it solved.
I connected with James a lot and some of his thoughts could easily have been said by me. His lack of connection, of belonging... I felt that in my bones. He was so lost after his family's murder, it was very sad.
Hunter's past wasn't easy either, his family never accepted him and the only member who had his back died when they were younger.
Two men trying to navigate through their complicated lives, who met by chance and found in each other something they didn't even know they needed. And add some dangerous situations, a horrible crime and mystery, that's basically this book and believe everyone who enjoys these things will love this story for sure!
September 16, 2020
Beautiful!!
This was no doubt beautifully written. I loved it but I think I inevitably fell for the many rave reviews and expected way way too much. Don’t get me wrong, having excellent reviews is awesome. But it’s detrimental as a reader going in with high expectations and feeling like the story fell short of all the raves. So perhaps this is my fault.
It is still beautifully written. It is still an awesome story. Both James and Hunter are great characters. James, more than Hunter for me. But gosh, the mystery didn’t turn out to be much and you can kinda see where it’s going before it gets there. So that’s kinda where it fell short for me. For a moment there, I even thought it would have a paranormal bend but alas, it wasn’t to be. It would have been so cool if it did have paranormal elements tho 😬
Anyways, so perhaps it’s more of its me, not the book’s fault. I’d prolly have given it five stars if not for my ridiculous expectations 🙊
This was no doubt beautifully written. I loved it but I think I inevitably fell for the many rave reviews and expected way way too much. Don’t get me wrong, having excellent reviews is awesome. But it’s detrimental as a reader going in with high expectations and feeling like the story fell short of all the raves. So perhaps this is my fault.
It is still beautifully written. It is still an awesome story. Both James and Hunter are great characters. James, more than Hunter for me. But gosh, the mystery didn’t turn out to be much and you can kinda see where it’s going before it gets there. So that’s kinda where it fell short for me. For a moment there, I even thought it would have a paranormal bend but alas, it wasn’t to be. It would have been so cool if it did have paranormal elements tho 😬
Anyways, so perhaps it’s more of its me, not the book’s fault. I’d prolly have given it five stars if not for my ridiculous expectations 🙊
August 18, 2020
I have been impatiently waiting for a new Claire Cray book ... and this did not disappoint!!!
My heart broke for James. He's going through something truly awful, all by himself. Well, he's by himself until handsome Hunter comes along.
Cray effortlessly mixes James and Hunter's developing relationship with several levels of intrigue. There are many mysteries hiding in the Oregon backwoods, as well as ghosts that follow James from New York.
Excitement!! Twists and turns!! All the sex!!!! HOT!!
Really, though, this is a story of two busted up, broken men finding each other and healing each other. Heart-wrenching, beautiful, and filled with redemption. A must-read.
My heart broke for James. He's going through something truly awful, all by himself. Well, he's by himself until handsome Hunter comes along.
Cray effortlessly mixes James and Hunter's developing relationship with several levels of intrigue. There are many mysteries hiding in the Oregon backwoods, as well as ghosts that follow James from New York.
Excitement!! Twists and turns!! All the sex!!!! HOT!!
Really, though, this is a story of two busted up, broken men finding each other and healing each other. Heart-wrenching, beautiful, and filled with redemption. A must-read.
December 6, 2021
Loss, grief, connection.
Nostalgia for the not-known.
Swoony insta-love.
Nostalgia for the not-known.
Swoony insta-love.
October 5, 2020
This was my first time reading Claire Cray's work. I am a sucker for good vivid descriptions, and this author has such a wonderful way with words. I could clearly picture the dense forests, cliffs and the waves that were beating against them. All of that made it so easy to get into the story. The MCs were very likable and had nice chemistry. Told in dual POV, this was a story about overcoming grief and finding a way home one didn't know one had.
The mystery was rather good. I liked that in some instances I got it right but in some I was completely in the dark. It kept me glued to the book. All the secondary characters were so relatable and at times funny. The town of Brooks had its own kind of charm - small town where everybody knows everyone's business. I love reading small town romances.
I absolutely adored Hunter. His easy manner, kindness and patience were what helped James to settle and begin to heal. I think that the author did James's grief justice. The emotions were intense, I could feel them pouring through the pages. But at the same time it was not overwhelming as to call it tragic. She found a good balance.
I liked the story. A bit more suspense would have made this perfect for me. I will definitely check out this author's other works. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
The mystery was rather good. I liked that in some instances I got it right but in some I was completely in the dark. It kept me glued to the book. All the secondary characters were so relatable and at times funny. The town of Brooks had its own kind of charm - small town where everybody knows everyone's business. I love reading small town romances.
I absolutely adored Hunter. His easy manner, kindness and patience were what helped James to settle and begin to heal. I think that the author did James's grief justice. The emotions were intense, I could feel them pouring through the pages. But at the same time it was not overwhelming as to call it tragic. She found a good balance.
I liked the story. A bit more suspense would have made this perfect for me. I will definitely check out this author's other works. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
September 13, 2020
Wow, wow, wow. I haven't written a review in a good long while, but I'm coming out of my hidey hole for this book because it deserves the attention.
I'd never heard of Claire Cray until this book was recommended by a dear friend, and now I want to read anything and everything written by this author.
The romance and plot of this book are extremely well balanced, and the characters are to die for. I read from start to finish without stopping, because I was just having so much fun with the reading experience. I was constantly swooning over the characters and trying to guess what was going to happen next, and the details and atmospheric nature of the story made me feel like I was there right along with James and Hunter. The storytelling is completely on point and immersive.
Also, I want to scream for a sequel for a certain..... someone. :) Please, Claire!!! I beg!! 😍
I'd never heard of Claire Cray until this book was recommended by a dear friend, and now I want to read anything and everything written by this author.
The romance and plot of this book are extremely well balanced, and the characters are to die for. I read from start to finish without stopping, because I was just having so much fun with the reading experience. I was constantly swooning over the characters and trying to guess what was going to happen next, and the details and atmospheric nature of the story made me feel like I was there right along with James and Hunter. The storytelling is completely on point and immersive.
Also, I want to scream for a sequel for a certain..... someone. :) Please, Claire!!! I beg!! 😍
October 6, 2020
3.5 stars!
September 14, 2020
I absolutely adored this gem of a book! I casually stumbled upon on it, gave it a chance and was not disappointed in the slightest!
Claire's writing style is something that clicked with me from the start. All the characters in this story stood out on their own and the seamless storytelling was a delight to read.
I stayed engaged during my entire binge of In Strange Woods and found myself guessing what would or possibly could happen next. Both James and Hunter's relationship, though spanning only about a week, is thoroughly believable and the organic growth of their progressing feelings as the plot unfolds is just something to be savored. Each guy is superb on their own but together, they are so incredibly sweet. The honesty and communication, banter and just general vibe of these two together had me falling over, clutching my chest, unable to contain my heart eyes over them.
The plot itself is so unique and intriguing and the way the romance was woven into the ongoing story, was nothing short of genius.
I'm hoping one day there may be a sequel of sorts or a spin off, as there's one character in particular that I would love to read about more.
Claire has become a fast new favorite author for me and I look forward to any other projects they have planned in the future!
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to catching up on the authors previous works because something about the authors writing is so captivating I just want more!
Definitely will (and have) recommend this book to others to read!
Claire's writing style is something that clicked with me from the start. All the characters in this story stood out on their own and the seamless storytelling was a delight to read.
I stayed engaged during my entire binge of In Strange Woods and found myself guessing what would or possibly could happen next. Both James and Hunter's relationship, though spanning only about a week, is thoroughly believable and the organic growth of their progressing feelings as the plot unfolds is just something to be savored. Each guy is superb on their own but together, they are so incredibly sweet. The honesty and communication, banter and just general vibe of these two together had me falling over, clutching my chest, unable to contain my heart eyes over them.
The plot itself is so unique and intriguing and the way the romance was woven into the ongoing story, was nothing short of genius.
I'm hoping one day there may be a sequel of sorts or a spin off, as there's one character in particular that I would love to read about more.
Claire has become a fast new favorite author for me and I look forward to any other projects they have planned in the future!
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to catching up on the authors previous works because something about the authors writing is so captivating I just want more!
Definitely will (and have) recommend this book to others to read!
August 26, 2020
Claire Cray drew me in from the first page. I needed to know what happened next. The characters are fascinating, the descriptions of the location make me want to visit Oregon, and the plot kept me interested until the end. It's an instalove story that doesn't feel like instalove because of the events that occur and the way James and Hunter's relationship develops. My first book by this author but it won't be my last! Highly recommend.
November 4, 2020
I’m normally not much of a mystery book reader, but something about this story caught my eye and said “read me”…and I’m really glad I did. Yes, there was a bit of a mystery revolving around the murder of James’s family, along with the mystery of whoever in the small town to which he escapes that everyone there seems to think he is. But more prevalent—at least for me—was the hurt/comfort theme of James trying to cope with the murders, and Hunter offering that comfort which James so desperately needs.
I was hooked from the start, and both James and Hunter’s characters were so easy to become attached to with every page read. I can’t imagine the pain James was going through. Then to add on top of that the unknown person in town for whom he apparently is a dead ringer? The weight on his shoulders was massive. Hunter though is the perfect balm for all of this, and is everything James needs—and not just in the moment.
As the intrigue with his lookalike comes to the forefront, it opens up so much more about his family. I do admit—I was worried at first. And while I did figure things out before they were revealed in the story, getting to that reveal was a treat.
As for James and Hunter together, everything about them just clicks…and don’t even get me started on their incredible chemistry physically. It will have you rooting for them to stay together permanently just like I was.
In Strange Woods was an overall 4.5-star read for me. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and some gruesome descriptions of the murders of James’s family.
I was hooked from the start, and both James and Hunter’s characters were so easy to become attached to with every page read. I can’t imagine the pain James was going through. Then to add on top of that the unknown person in town for whom he apparently is a dead ringer? The weight on his shoulders was massive. Hunter though is the perfect balm for all of this, and is everything James needs—and not just in the moment.
As the intrigue with his lookalike comes to the forefront, it opens up so much more about his family. I do admit—I was worried at first. And while I did figure things out before they were revealed in the story, getting to that reveal was a treat.
As for James and Hunter together, everything about them just clicks…and don’t even get me started on their incredible chemistry physically. It will have you rooting for them to stay together permanently just like I was.
In Strange Woods was an overall 4.5-star read for me. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and some gruesome descriptions of the murders of James’s family.
November 15, 2020
I have a soft spot for stories with atmospheric settings and relationships that develop under extreme circumstances and this books does these two things to perfection.
We have a small seaside town with a restless ocean, rain, wind and as many trees as you can want. It’s written in a way that makes the setting come alive in your head and it makes you want to live in it.
But my favourite thing about Claire Cray’s writing is their ability to create fully fleshed out characters with an incredible chemistry in just a few paragraphs (see also: Spooky Smutty Stories). The mains here are James, a New Yorker going through an unimaginable trauma and Hunter, a lonely local with a kind heart.
I loved James and Hunter. The warmth of their relationship contradicts the cold weather and the terrible circumstances James finds himself in and it’s wonderful. It’s so hard to write a believable relationship that takes so little time to develop, but it works here. Maybe because you can feel that there is something profound between the two, something more the initial attraction.
There is also a distinct cast of secondary characters and a mystery or two, which gives a slightly creepy vibe and I’m all for that.
This book really stuck with me which is why I wrote a review months after reading it for the first time. I want to live in it - still! Cannot recommend it highly enough.
We have a small seaside town with a restless ocean, rain, wind and as many trees as you can want. It’s written in a way that makes the setting come alive in your head and it makes you want to live in it.
But my favourite thing about Claire Cray’s writing is their ability to create fully fleshed out characters with an incredible chemistry in just a few paragraphs (see also: Spooky Smutty Stories). The mains here are James, a New Yorker going through an unimaginable trauma and Hunter, a lonely local with a kind heart.
I loved James and Hunter. The warmth of their relationship contradicts the cold weather and the terrible circumstances James finds himself in and it’s wonderful. It’s so hard to write a believable relationship that takes so little time to develop, but it works here. Maybe because you can feel that there is something profound between the two, something more the initial attraction.
There is also a distinct cast of secondary characters and a mystery or two, which gives a slightly creepy vibe and I’m all for that.
This book really stuck with me which is why I wrote a review months after reading it for the first time. I want to live in it - still! Cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 24, 2020
4.5 stars
Running a way from a devastating family tragedy, a man finds he is not who he thought….
After a brutal murder ends with his family, James Worthington Crane runs from the media coverage and the pain, to the little town of Brooks, Oregon, hunting for a mysterious bequest, a property he never heard about. There, he is surprised at being confused with another man by more than one person. In a daze of pain and alcohol, James has few chances to uncover the mystery surrounding him, or even surviving on his own, but he soon finds help in a handsome local who seems to be always around when he needs him most…
A solid mystery, a sweet, slow burn romance, a quest to self-discovery… all this wrapped up in a mysterious and wild background of ancient forests and wild seas… what’s not to like? I enjoyed it all. The mysteries here work at two levels: on the one hand, there is the murder that put a tragic end to James family. On the other hand, Beau and his relation to James. Both flown and intertwine in a really smooth manner. Then there is Hunter and the romance they share. Hunter is a really likeable character, his steady presence anchors James to a reality that seems to be slipping past his grasp. All the secondary characters are interesting, but specially Beau. Although his part is short, he manages to leave an impact. I was so gripped by it all that I could not put the book down...
In short, I really enjoyed this story, which is not only well written and entertaining, it also hides some very interesting messages about loving and respecting land and traditions.
Very recommendable
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Running a way from a devastating family tragedy, a man finds he is not who he thought….
After a brutal murder ends with his family, James Worthington Crane runs from the media coverage and the pain, to the little town of Brooks, Oregon, hunting for a mysterious bequest, a property he never heard about. There, he is surprised at being confused with another man by more than one person. In a daze of pain and alcohol, James has few chances to uncover the mystery surrounding him, or even surviving on his own, but he soon finds help in a handsome local who seems to be always around when he needs him most…
A solid mystery, a sweet, slow burn romance, a quest to self-discovery… all this wrapped up in a mysterious and wild background of ancient forests and wild seas… what’s not to like? I enjoyed it all. The mysteries here work at two levels: on the one hand, there is the murder that put a tragic end to James family. On the other hand, Beau and his relation to James. Both flown and intertwine in a really smooth manner. Then there is Hunter and the romance they share. Hunter is a really likeable character, his steady presence anchors James to a reality that seems to be slipping past his grasp. All the secondary characters are interesting, but specially Beau. Although his part is short, he manages to leave an impact. I was so gripped by it all that I could not put the book down...
In short, I really enjoyed this story, which is not only well written and entertaining, it also hides some very interesting messages about loving and respecting land and traditions.
Very recommendable
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 14, 2021
4.25 stars
In short... a well written and edited whirlwind romance with a murder, a mystery, and a whole lot of fascinating family drama. I really liked it, especially the author's well researched setting on the southern Oregon coast.
In short... a well written and edited whirlwind romance with a murder, a mystery, and a whole lot of fascinating family drama. I really liked it, especially the author's well researched setting on the southern Oregon coast.
June 6, 2021
Wonderfully surprising
Great atmosphere in this book and the author really guided it from haunting and spooky to warm and comfortable. Two mysteries that maybe aren’t so suspenseful but the conclusions are starkly different. Very pleasing romance too.
Great atmosphere in this book and the author really guided it from haunting and spooky to warm and comfortable. Two mysteries that maybe aren’t so suspenseful but the conclusions are starkly different. Very pleasing romance too.
September 24, 2020
4.5 ⭐️’s
This cover drew me in immediately. It’s so dreamy and captures the feeling of the books setting perfectly. I think the setting of the coastal/wooded Oregon town is as much a character as the actual characters.
I really liked this book. I have never read this author before so I was delighted that I enjoyed her writing style. I will be checking out more from her!
The story kept me enthralled throughout. There is a love story in between all the other happenings. James is trying to find answers to a past he had no clue about and he finds so much more than he bargained for. I thought the love story developed nicely and worked so well with all that James is finding out about his past. These are two men who are both in a sort of limbo and them finding each other is like coming home for them.
This cover drew me in immediately. It’s so dreamy and captures the feeling of the books setting perfectly. I think the setting of the coastal/wooded Oregon town is as much a character as the actual characters.
I really liked this book. I have never read this author before so I was delighted that I enjoyed her writing style. I will be checking out more from her!
The story kept me enthralled throughout. There is a love story in between all the other happenings. James is trying to find answers to a past he had no clue about and he finds so much more than he bargained for. I thought the love story developed nicely and worked so well with all that James is finding out about his past. These are two men who are both in a sort of limbo and them finding each other is like coming home for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews